Break Free From the Weed Cycle!
How to Control and Promote a Weed Free Yard!
In order to obtain a weed free yard, there are two steps that need to be followed. First, we need to eliminate the sprouted and adult weeds. Secondly, we will need to apply a pre-emergent to the ground that will keep any seeds not yet sprouted, from sprouting and maturing and producing more seeds, which, in turn, produce more weeds. This is called "interrupting the cycle", and this is how we develop a weed free environment.
Weed Eliminators:
A key to selecting the proper weed eliminator is determining what weed or weeds we are trying to eliminate. Many "week killers" are produced that selectively seek out just the weed and won't harm the grass. Equally as important is identifying the type of grass you have, as some herbicides are also chemically produced to be used on St. Augustine, but, not on Bahia. With these two items identified, we can help you get started.
Broadleaf Weeds
Atrazine - Extremely effective on all types of St. Augustine and Centipede grass for elimination of most broadleaf weeds, Dollarweed, Henbit, Chickweed, Cudweed, Sandspur, Woodsorrel, Dandelion, and many others. It is available in 2 ½ gallons and quarts and the ideal mix rate is 4 ounces per gallon of water and may be applied by a hand pump sprayer for spot treatment. During the warmer months, the prescribed mix rate should be lowered by just over half and should only be used as a spot treatment. During cooler months, ( periods of at least a week of temperatures below 75 degrees) an entire yard application is permissible at the prescribed mix rate and may be applied with a hose-end sprayer. It may take as long as a week before you are able to see the desired result. It is crucial that in the warmer periods that you start with a good dilution of Atrazine and only spot treat areas as the stronger solution combined with the heat may cause undesirable discoloration and damage in your surrounding grass.
2, 4-D - Effective in Bahia grass. Controls most of the same weeds as the Atrazine. Also effective in controlling weeds in canals, ditches, and ponds. It is available in quart sizes and should be applied in the same manner with the same dilution as described in the Atrazine section.
Sedge
Quicksilver and Sedgehammer - Both are effective controlling Sedge. Application rate is one bag per gallon of water along with 2 teaspoons of nonionic surfactant like Hi-Yield Spreader Sticker. Either should be applied with a hand pump sprayer as a spot treatment. Both can also be applied, along with other herbicides, from the same applicator, at the same time and either Atrazine or 2, 4-D for broader spectrum treatment.
Image - Especially effective on Nutsedge and other types of Sedge as well. Mix rate is 2 ½ ounces to a gallon of water. This product comes in a 32 ounce Ready-To-Use hose-end sprayer container that requires no mixing and covers 8,000 sq. ft., or a 24 ounce concentrate that will cover the same area. Label shows a good deal of weed control also, but, customers have said that the pre-mixed solution DID stress their grass noticeable, though, temporarily.
Crabgrass
Ortho Weed-B-Gone Crabgrass Killer - Be warned! This product is not for use on St. Augustine grasses! Works on fescues, Bermuda, blue, rye, and zousia grasses and dichondra. Controls dallisgrass and nutgrass. Mix rate is 2 to 3 ounces per gallon of water and is applicable by hand-pump sprayer or hose-end sprayer. Comes in 16 ounce size and will cover up to 2,100 sq. ft.
Agralawn Professional Crabgrass Killer - A somewhat effective treatment for already sprouted crabgrass. Is a granular application that is sprinkled over the crabgrass and is effective on clover, basketgrass, chickweed, and similar weeds. Safe for use around people, pets, and the environment. The 4 lb. container will treat 350 - 400 sq. ft.
Asulam - This is the stuff! Licensed for sod farms and golf courses. Expensive but effective! This kills the crabgrass down to the root. Depending upon the type of crabgrass, (hairy crabgrass has tiny hairs on the stems for the chemical to cling to, smooth has none) kill times may vary for up to three days. It also contains a pre-mergent that kills the seeds to prevent further growth. Application is made by hand-pump-sprayer or hose-end sprayer at a mix rate of 1 ounce per gallon and the same rules apply for spot treatment vs. whole yard treatment as the Atrazine or 2, 4-D. This product is the best control for crabgrass there is and finding it anywhere else is unlikely.
Pre-Mergents
Lesco 19-3-7 with Pre-M 0.86% with Fertilizer - A great time release granular combination of pre-mergent and nitrogen rich fertilizer. This product should be broadcast at the time of, or, shortly after the weed elimination treatment is done in order to prevent the seeds already on the ground from sprouting. It is a slow-release granule that breaks down over time and is activated by water. This is effective on all weeds, but can be influenced by conditions such as low spots which allows water to accumulate and breakdown the granule in a more rapid manner. This fertilizer should be used more during the cooler months due to the high amount of nitrogen.
Oryzaline 4 Pro - This is a liquid application that can be applied via hand-pump-sprayer or hose-end sprayer. Can be used on all types of grasses. Comes in a 1 quart container, with a mix rate of 1 ounce per gallon and can be applied at the same time and in combination with any of the herbicides listed previously. Landscape areas can also be treated, but, not in combination of another herbicide that does specifically address those plants on it's label as "safe to use on". Whole yard treatments can be done year round and each application will be effective for from 2 to 4 months.
The combination of the weed eliminator and the Pre-mergent is the one-two punch you need to rid yourself and your lawn from the weed headache and keep it away. If you have any questions about the product or it's use, please feel free to give us a call or stop by! We will be glad to help!
